Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous Summer ’25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 The film moves at the languorous speed of a humid summer day. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025 His Southern drawl sounds like a languorous cross between early Brando and Mr. Blackwell. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance. Aidan Ryan june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
  • One-sided, slightly tipping top-handle bags emerged as well as mesh and net bags, also supporting the more languid fluid rtw looks.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos were at the listless, rudderless end of The Bowlen Trust Years.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Hiring activity has been listless this year, and the latest data isn’t showing much of a turnaround.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However the United Farmworkers Union has contended that staff shortages and lackadaisical management prevent the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, from effectively enforcing those rules, leading to workers’ debilitating conditions and even death.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Those helped speed up gentrification by attracting wealthy mainland investors with tax incentives and the PROMESA Act by President Obama in 2016, as well as the lackadaisical response by President Trump’s government during and after Hurricane Maria in 2017.
    Angel Diaz, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Bradley said that, from the Chamber’s perspective, employers are sick and tired of scrounging for talent.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Which, it should be pointed out, had to be fairly exhausted at that point.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Outside the courthouse following his victory, Sussman sounded exhausted.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those ticket sales were enough to lead an otherwise sleepy weekend at the domestic box office.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Showgirl leads a sleepy top 10 on the latest Billboard 200, where no albums debut in the region.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Out of nowhere, like a limp marionette, Dakota would drop to the ground.
    Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
  • However, many stylists specifically recommend the treatment for anyone with fine, limp, lifeless hair that tends to get oily, in particular.
    Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on languorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!